Is this more funny or cruel?

[Gypsy]

I think it's funny. With a caveat:

CAVEAT: It wasn't cruel if the parents just told them immediately after their reaction was over. Especially to the kids who were well behaved, and THEN let them open a "REAL" present early. No lasting harm, they might understand that their parents were playing with them and come up with a joke of their own to play, AND then get a real present in the end. PLUS I think the parents should have ASKED the kids if it was okay with them to send the tape to Jimmy. And then ONLY sent it if the kids consented. Otherwise I think the parents should have not sent it in, because that's being mean.

AND I HOPE the parent's learned somethings about their kids as well. Especially the ones with the brats.

The hello kitty boy was spoiled rotten drama queen and I hope his parents figured that out and do something about it. I also hope that they grounded him for being such a brat and talk to him about how he SHOULD have behaved and taught him that expressing disappointment and being HONEST is okay. Being abusive and hitting people and stomping around for 5 full minutes, saying hateful things, is NOT OKAY. That kid needs discipline, IMO. And I would not have kept tapping! The minute that kid started shouting I would have stopped him, let alone when he got up and hit the camera man-- and then I would have made him go stand in a corner. AND THEN we would have had a long talk.

The blond girl with the half eaten sandwich who loved her mom's cooking and had the brown nosing brother was LMAO, And she was very sweet, perplexed and honestly trying to explain what the problem was (I like it when you cook DINNER, not just a sandwich)-- torn between being appreciative for any gift and her disappointment with the particular gift. I hope her parents let her open a really good gift afterward. The brown noser was hilarious.

"Well you didn't do a very good job" was genuinely funny. And I think that kid would have cracked up when they were told the joke. Those kids were blunt, but didn't cross into being rude brats.

Tell him to suck my ****! was just shocking and I hope that kid got grounded. And as a parent, I would NOT have sent that tape in. It sends the wrong message.

 

[Enerchi]

Very well said Gypsy!

It must be the lawyer in you!

 

[zoebartlett]

I sent that to my mom and she thought it was mean. That surprised me because I thought she was going to like it, knowing her sense of humor. She also couldn't believe the behavior of the last boy. I really think no harm was done, and I think it's a good idea to let the kids open a real gift right after, so they know their parents aren't completely rotten. Can you imagine how many times that video might come up in conversation when those kids get older? I'm sure at some point they'll have a good laugh.

 

[justginger]

Am I the only one who thinks the little blonde with the sandwich looks JUST LIKE Reece Witherspoon? If she were a bit older, I'd swear it's her daughter, Ava.

 

[iheartscience]

I don't understand why so many posters think the kids should get to open a real present after the fake present. Why? Why can't the parents just say "Ha we were playing a joke!"? Will it seriously crush a child's self-esteem to have a parent play a joke on them? My parents (my dad especially) used to play jokes on us and tease us all the time growing up and I managed to turn out okay. And as a bonus, I actually have a sense of humor as an adult!

That attitude is like the parents who give the non-birthday kid a present on their siblings' birthday. Will it kill a kid to not get a present? Maybe they should learn that it's not always all about them!

I bet the kid freaking out about the Hello Kitty shirt got a present on his siblings' birthdays!

 

[packrat]

Monnie, I think we have the same parents. Did your hide behind stuff and jump out at you?

I guess I just don't see why it's a cruel twisted thing. They didn't video tape the kids being told "Daddy's dead, Merry Christmas". They weren't beaten w/wire hangers. I don't see that they're going to be traumatized for the rest of their lives for getting a joke onion for Christmas. They're more apt to have problems by being taught the world revolves around them and owes them tons and tons of fantastic things all the time, and it's ok to behave like a spoiled brat and have a conniption fit every time something happens they don't like.

 

[zoebartlett]

I don't understand why so many posters think the kids should get to open a real present after the fake present. Why? Why can't the parents just say "Ha we were playing a joke!"? Will it seriously crush a child's self-esteem to have a parent play a joke on them?

Good point. Like you said, T2, what's wrong with parents playing a practical joke? I only wrote what I did above because I hadn't thought of what others said about letting a kid open a real present right after. At the time, I thought that could be a good idea, but honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about. I really do think kids will get over it and laugh about it someday.

 

[monarch64]

Monnie, I think we have the same parents. Did your hide behind stuff and jump out at you?

I guess I just don't see why it's a cruel twisted thing. They didn't video tape the kids being told "Daddy's dead, Merry Christmas". They weren't beaten w/wire hangers. I don't see that they're going to be traumatized for the rest of their lives for getting a joke onion for Christmas. They're more apt to have problems by being taught the world revolves around them and owes them tons and tons of fantastic things all the time, and it's ok to behave like a spoiled brat and have a conniption fit every time something happens they don't like.

They probably did, but I don't remember. They did all kinds of funny pranks, but those were tempered with all kinds of awesome things--one year when I was in college I came home for Easter and they had set up an outdoor Easter egg hunt just for me! It was so sweet and nice that it made me cry. When we were little, they threatened us with getting lumps of coal in our stockings if we weren't good, and I can remember at least one year when I got a bunch of "coal" in my stocking, which turned out to be a joke. OH SO CRUEL. They got a good laugh out of it, and I learned that those threats were not idle. So there you go.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't understand why so many posters think the kids should get to open a real present after the fake present. Why? Why can't the parents just say "Ha we were playing a joke!"?

No, it's not a self esteem issue for me at all.

The issue, rather, is that I think parents should keep their word. If a parent says-- you can open ONE present before the holiday. AND then substitutes that present for a joke I think it's important that AFTER the parent's have their fun (at the kids expense) they still keep their word. It's a matter of the parents credibility and the trust kids have. Jokes are great. When no harm is done. I think if you give the child the PROMISED 'real' present afterward you are reinforcing to them that JOKES do not have to harm, do not have to be at someone's expense. That you can have fun, make a joke AND keep your word. It's a matter of honoring your commitments. I think that if you DON'T allow the child the present you are breaking your trust with your child. And I think that's wrong, and I think it teaches the child that someone has to suffer for a joke. That's not something I would want to teach a six year old. Playing a 'joke' is not a good enough reason for you to break your word to a small child.

Nothing to do with self esteem.

And no, it is not akin AT ALL to giving one brat a present on another's birthday.

 

[skymountain33]

It was cruel.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Playing practical jokes within a family can be funny and makes for many heartwarming memories. My father's family was famous for it and we all had a good time with it. Certainly no harm done. My problem with it is that these parents are exploiting this circumstance to air it on YouTube for the whole world to see - and to hopefully be played on the Kimmel show. These are not inside the family funnies that someone just dreamed up - those spontaneous things are the truly funny ones. These are directed by a show for taping - just takes it to a whole different level for me.

Are they funny? Yes, they are funny because they are just random kids that you don't know. Think about applying it to your own kids or having it done to you - then for me the hurt shines through much more than the humor. Will it scar them all for life? No, of course not but they've been duped by their parents and they are obviously not laughing. Their reactions tell the story IMO. It's not like opening a box with a spring snake jumping out which causes surprise, tears and then laughter. These kids are mad!

 

[Jennifer W]

I wouldn't categorise this as mean or funny. Just baffling and somewhat distasteful. Not that it's done, but that people would post this on the internet. I know it happens, because my father LOVED to do this. Every. Single. Year. I got nice gifts, but I also got onions, canned goods, toothpaste, shoe polish and batteries with "toy not included" written on the pack by my dad. I can't say I was traumatised by it, or that I learned any great life lesson from it (other than not to put that deep, blind trust in my parents or have that complete faith in them that so many children seemed to enjoy, but it wasn't just the odd gifts that did it).

What baffles me is that people put this on public display. Those parents whose kids reacted with grace are showing the world they have children who deserve a little more respect, while those with kids whose reactions were profane or aggressive are showing the world that they aren't parenting terribly well. I don't think I'd like that played out in public, personally. Either way.

So for me, neither mean nor funny, just a little grubby.

 

[iheartscience]

I don't understand why so many posters think the kids should get to open a real present after the fake present. Why? Why can't the parents just say "Ha we were playing a joke!"?

No, it's not a self esteem issue for me at all.

The issue, rather, is that I think parents should keep their word. If a parent says-- you can open ONE present before the holiday. AND then substitutes that present for a joke I think it's important that AFTER the parent's have their fun (at the kids expense) they still keep their word. It's a matter of the parents credibility and the trust kids have. Jokes are great. When no harm is done. I think if you give the child the PROMISED 'real' present afterward you are reinforcing to them that JOKES do not have to harm, do not have to be at someone's expense. That you can have fun, make a joke AND keep your word. It's a matter of honoring your commitments. I think that if you DON'T allow the child the present you are breaking your trust with your child. And I think that's wrong, and I think it teaches the child that someone has to suffer for a joke. That's not something I would want to teach a six year old. Playing a 'joke' is not a good enough reason for you to break your word to a small child.

Nothing to do with self esteem.

And no, it is not akin AT ALL to giving one brat a present on another's birthday.

I fail to see how playing a joke=a parent is breaking their word, ruining their trust and credibility, etc. I also fail to see how not getting a present after all teaches a child that they must suffer for a joke. A present is a fun EXTRA, not some sort of sustenance required to get through life, without which a child will suffer.

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one!

 

[Jennifer W]

I don't understand why so many posters think the kids should get to open a real present after the fake present. Why? Why can't the parents just say "Ha we were playing a joke!"?

No, it's not a self esteem issue for me at all.

The issue, rather, is that I think parents should keep their word. If a parent says-- you can open ONE present before the holiday. AND then substitutes that present for a joke I think it's important that AFTER the parent's have their fun (at the kids expense) they still keep their word. It's a matter of the parents credibility and the trust kids have. Jokes are great. When no harm is done. I think if you give the child the PROMISED 'real' present afterward you are reinforcing to them that JOKES do not have to harm, do not have to be at someone's expense. That you can have fun, make a joke AND keep your word. It's a matter of honoring your commitments. I think that if you DON'T allow the child the present you are breaking your trust with your child. And I think that's wrong, and I think it teaches the child that someone has to suffer for a joke. That's not something I would want to teach a six year old. Playing a 'joke' is not a good enough reason for you to break your word to a small child.

Nothing to do with self esteem.

And no, it is not akin AT ALL to giving one brat a present on another's birthday.

I fail to see how playing a joke=a parent is breaking their word, ruining their trust and credibility, etc. I also fail to see how not getting a present after all teaches a child that they must suffer for a joke. A present is a fun EXTRA, not some sort of sustenance required to get through life, without which a child will suffer.

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one!

It doesn't equal this (the bolded part) exactly, of course it doesn't. As the child of parents who did this kind of thing a lot though, I can say that it does contribute towards it, to placing less trust in your parents. If I thought I was being set up to be an internet sensation, that small erosion of trust would become no trust at all, very quickly.

Of course it isn't a necessary sustenance, of course the present is an extra, but I think that once you've said "hey kid, I have a present for you...." then things are a bit different.

Anyway, my main objection to this isn't the concept or philosophy behind it - people can choose how to parent their children, and will reap the rewards of that decision making either way. It's the posting it on the internet I find distasteful.

 

[asscherisme]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

 

[TooPatient]

Absolutely cruel.

I saw this last week. O'Reilly showed it.

We talked about it for some time that night and both agreed that it was in poor taste for the guy to ask parents to do such a thing and even worse that parents actually did. I was also very disappointed that O'Reilly would show such a thing (they don't need any encouragement to keep up such poor behavior).

They got the kids excited by saying they were getting a Christmas present early. (to a kid, this means something nice)
After they were anticipating something nice, they were handed some intentionally absurd "gift".

Kids rely on their parents. It is their parents who buy everything they need in life and it is up to the parents to choose if/when to provide anything more than the basics. Christmas is one of those times where parents usually give kids something they will enjoy.
Also, kids are supposed to be able to trust their parents and know that they are there to help and support them -- I don't see how making them the butt of a joke helps this trust to grow.


I had people in my family who liked to "play jokes" too. It did NOT help me to have a great sense of humor. No one thing caused me to lose that trust in them -- it was all of the "jokes" and other stuff added together through the years. I can say, though, that the "jokes" were a big factor.

 

[iheartscience]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

I wonder what percent of people who think it's cruel had bad childhoods or bad relationships with their parents growing up. I think that's coloring a lot of the "cruel" responses.

I had a good relationship with my parents growing up so them pulling this same joke on me wouldn't have harmed me or our relationship in any way.

 

[asscherisme]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

I wonder what percent of people who think it's cruel had bad childhoods or bad relationships with their parents growing up. I think that's coloring a lot of the "cruel" responses.

I had a good relationship with my parents growing up so them pulling this same joke on me wouldn't have harmed me or our relationship in any way.

Interesting point.

 

[iLander]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

I wonder what percent of people who think it's cruel had bad childhoods or bad relationships with their parents growing up. I think that's coloring a lot of the "cruel" responses.

I had a good relationship with my parents growing up so them pulling this same joke on me wouldn't have harmed me or our relationship in any way.

Yes, I think this is true. Having experienced cruel behavior, I am sensitive to it and bend over backwards so that I don't make anyone else feel bad with cruelty.

I have also noticed that people who are treated very well can be cruel without realizing it. (NOT referring to anyone on this board, referring to my relatives) I have family members that were doted on as children, just spoiled rotten, and they can be very mean without realizing what they're doing. They've never felt bad, so they can't even imagine anyone else feeling bad.

It's like the woman who is always late, and makes people wait. She doesn't realize what she is doing, or how she makes people feel. So until someone is late to see her, she'll never really understand.

 

[TooPatient]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

I wonder what percent of people who think it's cruel had bad childhoods or bad relationships with their parents growing up. I think that's coloring a lot of the "cruel" responses.

I had a good relationship with my parents growing up so them pulling this same joke on me wouldn't have harmed me or our relationship in any way.

Interesting point.

Certainly true for me. (relationship problems with parents)

I think you've got a great point here. It would be interesting to see how these kids are doing in another 10 and 20 years and which of them see "jokes" like this as cruel or funny.


ETA: I don't have kids.

 

[Jennifer W]

I say cruel. I wonder what percent of people here say its cruel vs funny have kids. I say cruel because I would never do that to my kids.

I wonder what percent of people who think it's cruel had bad childhoods or bad relationships with their parents growing up. I think that's coloring a lot of the "cruel" responses.

I had a good relationship with my parents growing up so them pulling this same joke on me wouldn't have harmed me or our relationship in any way.

I think you're probably absolutely spot on here. Some people know how it feels to be the butt of parental jokes, and didn't like the feeling, or didn't understand what was going on. I personally don't think the joke is cruel, I'm not saying that at all. A little questionable maybe, but not cruel. I do think that posting it online is cruel, because you're a parent, supposed to protect your child. Not supposed to put them out there with their dignity stripped away and their emotions visible to strangers for the world to mock. It's the posting it on youtube I find so distasteful, not the joke itself.

 

[Laughinggravy0]

I'm with Jennifer on this. A little practical joke when there are other gifts flying around is funny in the family. But posting it on the net is just weird. And that large child in the stripy top that was so enraged - a.w.f.u.l. personally the parents are doing something really wrong in the way they are bringing up that kid and the last child ... its just, well yeah, as Jennifer said 'grubby'. Very exhibitionist.

On another note, I never liked people who used to pretend to throw things for a happy dog - the dog trusts that you are going to throw something it will have a blast chasing. Bit like that really. Setting someone up for a fall. Fine I think if its in the family and it refers to a family joke perhaps. Not every prezzie has to be serious, but if its to be a fun thing, then it shouldn't be posted for the world to see, I think.

 

[TravelingGal]

I think it's weird that they wanted to get on TV so much that they did it.

If I did it to my kid, it'd be wrong...she'll be 4 in a few months, and I don't think she'd get the "joke." I would just be laughing at her expense.

Now, doing this to my husband, well....

 

[monarch64]

Just a random comment: I LOVED the brother of the girl who was given the half-eaten sandwich. "I'LL eat it! I'LL eat it!!!!" He was too cute for words, and the little girl was so articulate!

Kid in the striped shirt=not going to have a happy life. Horrible attitude.

Girl with the banana=going to make tons of money. If that wasn't making lemons out of lemonade...

Kid with the potty mouth at the end=future in the adult entertainment industry.

 

[Lottie]

The boy in the striped shirt looked like he was showing off for the camera. Loved the sandwich girl, she and her brother were lovely. I thought the two at the beginning were too young for the joke - they just looked confused. As for the boy at the end, I would have switched the camera off and sent him to bed for saying that and then deleted the footage.

I think a lot of it has to do with age, my daughter is nearly four and definately too young to find it funny, but my neice and nephew who are 10 and 8 would think it hilarious if this joke were played on them. Perhaps some of the parents should have asked themselves if they were laughing at or with their children.

 

[packrat]

We never had Christmas. We had one Gramma who felt bad and mom and dad allowed us to pick out one toy from the Sears catalog, but it could never be given on Christmas, the wrapping paper wasn't Christmas-themed, trees/santa etc..If Gramma Joyce had done something like that, that would have devastated us. We'd have gotten over it but something like that would have been cruel. But still, I don't think that would have set us up for a life of crime or sent me hooking on the corners. If every. single. time. you expected to get something fun and were given an old banana or a 6 pack of eggs, that's a kick in the face, and in the heart..but one time..no. The internet posting doesn't bother me..tho some of those parents, w/the kids that reacted/behaved so badly, I'd not have put it on there-the Hello Kitty shirt boy-you know that's what people call him now, and the boy at the end in particular.

 

[Haven]

I thought some of them were funny and some of them were cruel. It depends entirely on the family and the kids, I think.
The half-eaten sandwich girl was trying her best and her brother had me laughing out loud. The children who insulted their parents and threw temper tantrums made me cringe, and I feel bad that they've been raised to be so rotten.

In my family, this would have been hilarious and we would have all gotten past it pretty quickly. We're the practical joke type, though.

However, I can't imagine doing this to my nine-year-old nephew, because he's just not the type of kid who would handle it well. He's very sensitive, and I don't think he would "get" the joke.

 

[Laila619]

I stopped watching after the onion. I don't know if I just can't take a joke or what. I felt sad for the kids. They were confused. Christmas is usually about getting something you really want and they were just plain baffled by what was in the package.

Kenny, did you find it funny or cruel? I wonder if the people without children find it funny as opposed to the parents. I'm always curious to find out what the thoughts are of the person who posts questions on PS

Personally, that's not what I want my kids to think Christmas is about!

I am kind of neutral on the whole thing--it was mildly amusing to me.

 

[Laila619]

It was cruel. But I loved it! I think its a brilliant short segment, and despite all the various feelings of confusion/ethics etc; I think it shows that these parents are able to take a good look at their own children. They may have learned a great deal that pleased them.

Some of the kids were absolutely saints. I've love to have a daughter like the one that received the sandwich. Or the banana recipient. Bless their little hearts.

And I would be sad to be a parent of the child who received the hello kitty sweater. Being disappointed and emotional is one thing, blaming parents and venting at them ceaselessly is sad.

Too many kids grow up massively indulged.

Too true, TristanC!

 

[Shoopy]

I thought it was absolutely hilarious personally. There's so much seriousness in parenting. In the world really. I'm willing to bet the kids got over it and Christmas morning will be full of torn wrapping paper, excited screams and plenty of extra strength Tylenol for mom and dad.